Prez all praise for Konkanis

25 persons representing 25 Konkani associations from across world feted for their contribution to language

Addressing a huge gathering who had come from across the world to take part in the Vishwa Konkani Ekta Divas organised as a part of first World Konkani Cultural Convention at Nehru Maidan here on Thursday, she said that literature can be an instrument of bringing harmony to society and strengthening national unity.

Complementing all those who have contributed to the enrichment of the Konkani language and to modernise it, the President referred to a Konkani dictionary published in 1567. “It has at least two dozen different and distinct dialects befitting any living language. It changes words, tones, pronunciations and accent as it adapts to different parts and adds popular Kannada, Marathi and Malayalam words to its vocabulary,” she said.

Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, who spoke in Konkani amidst the cheering crowd, called upon the new generation of Konkani people not to forget the language. “Though the number of Konkani speaking people is very less, you can find Konkanis in all parts of the world as their contribution to the development of nation is immense,” she said.

Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya too started his speech in Konkani, but later switched over to English. He said that the people of the region have set an example by living harmoniously over centuries.

Governor Hansraj Bharadwaj too termed the Konkani speaking people as unique and lauded the contribution of churches, mosques and temples in the develoment of nation.

While Reception Committee Chairman Ronald Colaco welcomed the gathering, Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario proposed a vote of thanks.As many as nine Konkani speaking groups representing different communities presented an attractive show depicting the rich culture and heritage of the land.

Honour for 25 Konkani associations

On the occasion, the President honoured 25 persons representing 25 Konkani associations, from around the world, who have contributed to the preservation of Konkani in their respective regions.

The associations included: Kala Sampath, Chicago, USA; Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC), Canada; Goan Cultural Society, UK; Casa Degoa, Protugal; Goemkar’s own Academy, Pakistan; Mangalore Konkans, Dubai; Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), Kuwait; Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar; Konkani Kutam, Bahrain; Mangalore Konkani Center of the Parish (MCCP), Oman; Saudi Konkani Association of Riyad (SKAR), Saudi Arabia; Thomas Stephen Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Goa; Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), Goa; Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), Mumbai; Canara Union, Bangalore; Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA), Bangalore; Konkani Cultural Association (MCA), Delhi; Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), Mangalore; Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskrutik Pratisttan, Mangalore; Konkani Bhasha Prachar Sabha, Cochin; Siddi Sanskrutik Kala Mell, Uttar Kannada; Vidya Ranga Mithr Mandali, Kundapura; Kudmi Janapada Kalavedike, Yedapadavu; Naqsh-E-Navayat, Bhatkal; and Konkani Rakann Sanchalan, Chickmagalur.